How did we get here? Thinking back about the series of unfortunate events that unfolded 13 days earlier. We set sail from Tonga heading to America Samoa on a multiday passage with group of other vessels.
Our first day was glorious, beam reach, winds 15-20 knots and light seas. The sun to our back, salt spray on our lips with no cares in the world, pure majesty to be enjoyed.
This would all change around 2am. It was my turn at the helm, while the crew slept below, under a pitch-black sky. The moon would rise in a few hours, which is the nightlight of the ocean. In the distance both front and back could see the masthead lights of the other vessels in the caravan. This provided some comfort during the long open water passages.
It was smooth running, auto-pilot engaged as a calm silence fell over the night with the occasional swish as the waves parted by the bow of the boat slicing through the darkness. Everything’s good, time to run to the galley and grab a quick drink. While pouring tea I could hear a faint hum, thinking "that’s odd, why is there a hum when we are under sail and no motor running.” My first thought, it was the prop free spinning in the water, however the hum began to appear closer and louder. Still no idea what it could be.
It was time to get top-side and survey the surroundings for danger. Nothing out of the ordinary, except the mast head lights of the other vessels in the rear were not visible, only the ones in front. “Maybe they are just over the horizon”, I thought. The hum continued to get louder and closer when accompanied by a new sound of roaring water, still nothing could be seen.
Suddenly, as I looked up at the sails could see the shadowy silhouette of a massive vessel just feet away on our starboard side over 100ft’ tall with no lights, pitch black. It was a super freighter. I quickly cut the helm to port to avoid a collision, too late! A thunderous glancing blow as the rigging shifted and became entangled in the upper levels of the freighter which began dragging our vessel sideways. This was going to end disastrously unless the rigging could be freed. Quickly grabbed bolt cutters and starting cutting the stays. POW! POW! You could hear each stay snapping one after the other as they released. The water continued to breached over the decks as we were dragged like a toy boat behind a child. It didn't phase the freighter, It never changed course or slowed down. We were a nat in it's wake.
SNAP, as the last line was cut and the mast plunges into the water with the rigging. Our vessel slowly rides upward and comes to a halt. Dead in the water, cracks in the hull and taking on water with no mast and an eeary silence.
Prognosis, not good!
The freighter disappears, leaving a wake of destruction behind, as it dissolves into darkness. A faint name is visible on the stern, Corona XIX, Wuhan China.
Series: #WaywardVagabond
Title: #Reflection
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